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30 August, 2001The AMWU president describes the Australian government's policy as heartless and mean.
AUSTRALIA: The national president of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, Julius Roe, has called on the Australian
community to reject "the dangerous wedge politics" the prime minister, John
Howard, is playing with regard to the Tampa refugee crisis. "The Howard government's denial of entry to these asylum seekers further demonstrates the hallmarks of this government: heartless, uncompassionate, mean and out of touch."
Roe says that the AMWU respects and supports the humanitarian stance taken by the captain of the MS Tampa. "His actions have been the most humane and understanding of all the parties involved in this wrangle."
Neither Australian nor international law requires refugees to have papers to enter a country when they are fleeing for their lives. Roe says that "the 450 asylum seekers on the Tampa, predominantly from Iraq and Afganistan, are without proper shelter or care. The ship is built for a crew of 30 - not 450. The refugees are in desperate need of medical treatment and a safe haven. Australia has an obligation under international law to allow the Tampa to dock as part of the obligation for ships to render assistance to those in distress."
Is John Howard going to declare war on Norway in order to avoid international obligations, asks Roe?
Roe says that the AMWU respects and supports the humanitarian stance taken by the captain of the MS Tampa. "His actions have been the most humane and understanding of all the parties involved in this wrangle."
Neither Australian nor international law requires refugees to have papers to enter a country when they are fleeing for their lives. Roe says that "the 450 asylum seekers on the Tampa, predominantly from Iraq and Afganistan, are without proper shelter or care. The ship is built for a crew of 30 - not 450. The refugees are in desperate need of medical treatment and a safe haven. Australia has an obligation under international law to allow the Tampa to dock as part of the obligation for ships to render assistance to those in distress."
Is John Howard going to declare war on Norway in order to avoid international obligations, asks Roe?